Intent of the Half American Saddlebred rules currently submitted to USEF
Monday, August 15, 2016

The intent of the Half American Saddlebred rules currently submitted to USEF for approval are to provide more opportunities for exhibitors and for horse shows.

The rule reads as follows: Half American Saddlebred Horses shown in the American Saddlebred division must have been issued a certificate of registration from the Half American Saddlebred Registry of America. Horses registered with the Half American Saddlebred Registry of America may compete in the following divisions: Five-Gaited, Fine Harness, Park, Park Pleasure, Show Pleasure, Country Pleasure, Western, Hunter Country Pleasure, Dressage Suitability, In Hand, Model, Parade, and Roadster. It is recommended that competition management offer separate classes restricted to Half American Saddlebreds. However, management may permit Half American Saddlebreds to show in American Saddlebred classes when separate classes are not offered and is stated in the prize list.

The proposed rule evolved after several discussions regarding an increased interest in American Saddlebred crosses, stallion promotion, increased ASHA membership, class divisions, declining entries at smaller shows, cost of adding classes, and bringing horses back to the American Saddlebred industry that are currently participating in the industry involving the other half of their pedigree.

The proposed rule allows competition management the freedom of either adding Half American Saddlebred classes or allowing Half American Saddlebreds to show in American Saddlebred classes. Please keep in mind that shows are not mandated to add these classes. Half American Saddlebreds showing in the same class with American Saddlebreds seemed to be more appealing for smaller shows that are having trouble filling classes and would prefer to not add more classes due to the expense.

The Half American Saddlebred rule proposal has been submitted to USEF for further review and approval after being reviewed and voted on by the ASR Half American Saddlebred Committee, ASR/ASHA Standards & Rules Committee, ASR Board and ASHA Board. If approved by USEF, the rules would not be effective until December 1, 2017. The method of assigning points for show results will be determined prior to the effective date.

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